Khaleej Times, 9 April 2026: Abu Dhabi has introduced a binding set of 11 guidelines for handling hazardous materials, marking the first global adoption of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) Revision 11 in a regulatory framework.

The Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre, in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, had recognised fragmentation and unclear standards in import, storage, transport, and disposal practices. Prior to this initiative, stakeholders followed multiple, sometimes conflicting, procedural norms.

Under the new rules, firms operating in the emirate must comply with mandatory requirements covering labelling, safety-data-sheet provision, lifecycle responsibilities, and staff roles throughout the supply chain. Entities are legally required to adhere to these standards, designed to reduce accident risk, protect the environment, and ensure consistent compliance. The guidelines are already enforceable, with monitoring and oversight integrated into Abu Dhabi’s regulatory governance.

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